Planner

City of Avondale; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Avondale, AZ is seeking an experienced City Planner to support current and long-range planning tasks, including subdivision review, site plan review, zoning permits, and staff reports. The role involves GIS map updates, public inquiries, and coordination for public hearings.

Candidates should hold a Bachelor's in Urban Planning (or related field), have municipal planning experience, and possess a valid Arizona driver's license or ability to obtain one within six months.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field.
• Two years of municipal planning experience required.
• Arizona Driver's License or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Assist with current and long-range planning activities including subdivision, site plan, and zoning permit review.
• Prepare background reports on land use, zoning, and planning-related tasks; coordinate updates to General Plan and zoning maps via GIS.
• Serve as project manager for routine land use applications (CUPs, variances, rezonings, annexations) and prepare staff reports.
• Provide information and guidance to the public on ordinance requirements, review procedures, and zoning regulations.
• Coordinate with applicants and stakeholders for public hearings and neighborhood meetings, and present findings and recommendations.

Education

Bachelor's in Urban Planning

Job description

Performs a variety of duties and assists with current and long-range planning activities including subdivision review, site plan review, building plan review, zoning permit, and application processing. Research and analyze technical data in the field of city planning and assist the public in applying planning and zoning regulations. Review site plans, building design, and signage, and participate in special projects as needed. Project manager for routine land use applications including, but not limited to, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Rezonings, and Annexations. Conducts plan review, extensive research, and analysis, and prepares background reports on land use, zoning, and other planning-related tasks. Prepares zoning verifications, interpretations, and responds to customer inquiries. Coordinates updates to the General Plan land use map, zoning map, and other informational Geographic Information System data.Researches, reviews, and interprets development regulations. Conducts extensive research, analysis and prepares background reports on land use, zoning, and other planning-related issues including zoning verifications, interpretations, variances, and nonconforming rights determinations. Project manager for Conditional Use Permits, Rezonings, Annexations, Variances, interpretations, zoning verifications, design review waivers, site plans, and related applications.

Reviews and processes applications for, but not limited to, business licenses, liquor licenses, special events, minor building permits, construction plans, residential plot plans, swimming pools, landscape plans, and signs to ensure compliance with City zoning, ordinances, and guidelines.

Provides information, technical assistance, and guidance to the public on ordinance requirements, City policies, and review procedures. Provides public counter coverage and researches and reviews applications and special planning projects. Manages and updates GIS maps, including the General Plan, zoning map, and other data. Meets with property owners, attorneys, developers, and other professionals to discuss planning, zoning, and other related issues. Exercises discretion in problem-solving and negotiation.

Prepares staff reports on land use, zoning, and other planning-related issues. Research and prepare public records requests.

As project manager, the Planner is responsible for accuracy in preparing public hearing notices, coordinating with applicants on neighborhood meetings and public hearing schedules, and finalization of project documents and exhibits. Coordinate with applicants in preparation for public hearings and present findings and recommendations at public hearings.

Assists customers with inquiries about land use and zoning, and explains planning documents including the General Plan, Design Manuals, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance, and other related planning and development documents.

A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Land Use Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Architecture, Environmental Design, or a closely related field/knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning, municipal ordinances, and research methods.

Two (2) years of municipal experience is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if sufficient to perform the essential duties of the role as listed herein.

Valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.